Q & A written reflectionArizona Arts Proficiency Seal Queen Creek Unified District Capstone Reflection - Thinking about the process and product of your capstone, reflect upon what you are most proud of and what you might do differently if you were to complete a similar project again.
I am incredibly proud of my work with the kids during this project. It was the most challenging yet rewarding part of the experience. Initially, I was nervous about how they would respond to me since I’m not an adult figure, but working with them turned out to be an absolute joy. While we faced a few challenges along the way, the overall experience was deeply fulfilling, and it remains the aspect I’m most proud of.Reflecting on the second part of the question, I wish I had spent more time getting to know the newer kids before casting the play. In junior high drama classes, we work with 7th and 8th graders for half a semester, after which the 7th graders leave and new students join. I only had a week to get to know the new group, but I wish I had taken two weeks instead. It was after that second week that I truly began to understand their level of theater knowledge.
- Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project.
Throughout my high school journey, I never had the opportunity to perform on a traditional stage, and our props were always crafted from humble materials like cardboard and plastic. For my show, I wanted to maintain that same heartfelt simplicity, which is why the play features just one background and a single curtain close. The set serves as a visual representation of the modest beginnings of my theater experience.I also poured my personal journey into the experience with the kids. Having started theater in 8th grade, I still vividly remember the excitement and pure joy it brought me. My goal was to create that same kind of memorable and fun experience for them.
- Thinking about the extracurricular hours you have completed, reflect upon what you have learned through the experiences and/or how you have been impacted as an artist.
Recently this year after Mr. Spitler has taken us on a field trip to ASU Gammage and it has truly opened my eyes to how much goes into a traveling show to the people who set everything up to security to makeup and hair. He has also taken my class to State and Regionals those experiences alone has made me worked harder and practice every day. - How has your life been positively impacted by the arts?
Theater has always been a significant part of my life. One of my fondest memories is celebrating my 8th birthday by going to ASU Gammage with my mother to watch Wicked. Growing up, I often listened to my aunts and uncles share their experiences in theater, and I dreamed of one day performing on a big stage like they did.While my stage has turned out to be much smaller than I envisioned, this experience has been profoundly valuable. It taught me that even with limited resources, you can still create a show that brings joy and laughter to others. Theater has also shown me that success is not confined to excelling in subjects like math or physics—the arts offer their own unique and fulfilling paths to achievement.
- How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school?
Although I do not intend to major or minor in theater, I fully plan to apply the skills I have gained throughout my theater journey. My goal is to participate in community theater while attending college, as it allows me to continue pursuing my passion while exploring and determining my long-term career path. While I have felt significant uncertainty about my future, knowing that theater will remain a part of my life provides a sense of comfort and stability. - What advice would you give incoming freshmen about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school?
My advice is to embrace happiness and cultivate a positive attitude in everything you do. This doesn’t mean simply pursuing only the things that make you happy but approaching each task with an optimistic mindset, whether it’s a late-night rehearsal or sitting through a class that might not be your favorite. The way you choose to think can truly transform your outlook on life.Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve realized that I spent far too much time feeling upset or letting a negative attitude hold me back. This mindset caused me to miss out on many opportunities and moments of joy. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t been so preoccupied with what others thought of me or how they might judge me for participating in theater. Instead, I wish I had focused on pursuing my passions and appreciating the experiences for what they were.